Aisha Yesufu Urges Nigerians to Use 2027 Election as a Tool for Political Change

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections as an opportunity to demand political change, saying there is “no better day for revolution than election day.”

Yesufu made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, where she discussed Nigeria’s electoral system, the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the need for free, fair and credible elections.

According to the activist, Nigerians should see the ballot box as a powerful and peaceful instrument for changing the country’s political direction.

“There is no better day for revolution than election day,” Yesufu said, while arguing that the people working within electoral institutions, rather than INEC as an organisation, are responsible for many of the problems affecting Nigeria’s elections.

Call for Credible Elections

Yesufu stressed the importance of ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the genuine wishes of Nigerian voters.

She urged citizens to demand accountability from electoral officials, security personnel and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

The activist also referred to discrepancies that she believes were observed between the results of the 2023 presidential election and National Assembly elections, saying such concerns must be addressed to strengthen public confidence in democracy.

‘Everybody Must Do the Right Thing’

Yesufu said Nigerians should remain vigilant on election day and ensure that electoral officials and security agencies perform their duties professionally.

She argued that citizens should not simply depend on the willingness of INEC officials to conduct credible elections, but should actively insist that electoral rules are respected.

“Everybody must do the right thing,” she said, according to reports of the interview.

Her comments come as political parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with debates intensifying over electoral reform, accountability and the future direction of Nigeria.

Election as a Peaceful Path to Change

Yesufu’s use of the word “revolution” was framed around citizens using the electoral process to bring about political change rather than relying on unconstitutional means.

She argued that credible elections can provide Nigerians with a peaceful avenue to replace leaders and demand better governance.

With the 2027 elections approaching, her remarks are likely to add to the growing national debate over how Nigerians can protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that their votes genuinely determine the country’s political leadership.